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shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use
broadly
: the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular
Examples of shelf life in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Look for the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) listed by the expiration or use-by date to ensure the product delivers viable bacteria throughout its shelf life.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
The desiccant absorbs moisture, ensuring product performance is maintained for the validated shelf life.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
They’re also typically refined further to strip them of any funky flavors and increase their shelf life and stability (more on this below).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025
Better yet, for the longest shelf life, store the seeds in the freezer or refrigerator.
—Annie Peterson, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shelf life
Cite this Entry
“Shelf life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf%20life. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time something may be stored and still be good enough to use
Medical Definition
shelf life
noun
: the period of time during which a material (as a food or drug) may be stored and remain suitable for use
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